Acting against police directives

THE work of the police hierarchy including the police commissioner to improve command and control should be commended.
One of the directives that was publicised across the media was to stop the use of police escorts for companies and individuals including MPs.
On July 5 in Bulolo, I saw three Bulolo-based policemen escort a person from Port Moresby in a hired vehicle driving around town.
The party included a Bulolo resident who was previously employed by the Bulolo district administration and who was jailed for assaulting the former Bulolo police station commander.
The party walked into a village along the Bulolo Highway and were doing some unknown activities.
When disturbed by drunken village youths, the party sent a man armed with a long grass knife to the road then followed by a policeman armed with a police-issued firearm and rest of the group.
Villagers enquired and the response was that they were escorting the Buang from Port Moresby to get mapping details for his mining lease application within the village area.
They were told to leave by villagers as their approach was wrong in that the community were not aware of such activities to be conducted.
The group including the policemen were allegedly intoxicated and verbally abusive in the meeting later that afternoon.
Women and children were intimidated by such behaviour and presence of high-powered firearms.
All these actions are contrary to the police commissioner’s directive and which the public are aware of.
Increasing law and order issues in Wau and Bulolo need police attention.

Concerned Ples Man